Retaining member for a joint prosthesis

ABSTRACT

A novel and improved retaining member can be used with a joint prosthesis which may be implanted with a minimally invasive surgical technique. The retaining member can be configured to releasably link together two or more components of a joint implant in an orientation suitable for implantation. The retaining member can be removed once the joint implant has been positioned within the implant site.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a divisional of application Ser. No.11/237,171, filed Sep. 27, 2005, for JOINT PROSTHESIS AND METHOD OFIMPLANTING SAME, by Randall Acker and Gregory Van Der Meulen, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The article of manufacture and method relate broadly to a jointprosthesis and method of implanting same, and more particularly to acanine elbow prosthesis and novel and improved method of implantingsame.

The elbow joint is a hinge-type synovial joint formed where the distalend of the humerus articulates with the proximal end of the radius andulna. Elbow dysplasia is a common debilitating condition that affectsmany dogs. The current surgical techniques result in an unacceptablefailure rate of the implant due to the technical difficulties associatedwith the implantation procedure as well as excessive post-surgicalphysical therapy needs as a result of the invasiveness of the procedureand the abundance of soft tissue damage.

There is therefore a need for a novel and improved joint arthroplastythat involves a minimally invasive surgical technique with a novelimplant. The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. Invarious embodiments, one or more of the above described problems havebeen reduced or eliminated, while further embodiments are directed toother improvements.

SUMMARY

The embodiments and methods set forth are exemplary and not for purposesof limitation. The present embodiments and methods are designed toprovide a novel and improved elbow joint prosthesis and method ofimplanting same incorporating a first member having a first articulatingsurface portion of substantially hyperbolic paraboloid-shapedconfiguration as well as an opposite first bone fixation portion. Asecond member having a second articulating surface portion complementaryto the first articulating surface portion, the second articulatingsurface portion having intersecting concave and convex surfaces definingalternate upwardly and downwardly curved projections as well as anopposite second bone fixation portion. The first and second members forman articulating prosthetic joint implant. The implant utilizes uniquebone-stabilizing pegs as well as bone-receiving beads promoting boneingrowth and reducing aseptic loosening. The anatomical duplication ofthe joint preserves flexion and extension while reducing excessivepulling of ligaments.

Methods are also provided for a novel and improved joint arthroplasty.One such method offered by way of example but not limitation, forimplanting an elbow endoprosthesis comprises the steps of exposing amedial humeral condyle of a subject, drilling a hole through the medialcondyle, removing a condylar crown of the condyle, resurfacingarticulating surfaces of the joint, implanting the prosthesis andreattaching the condylar crown to the medial humeral condyle by applyingpressure therebetween. The medial approach in elbow joint arthroplasty,which is usually the area most affected by elbow dysplasia is proposed.This will result in a lower failure rate of the implant due to superiorbiomechanics of the implant, a lower degree of invasion of the jointcapsule and ligamentous structure while reducing periarticular scarring.Resurfacing arthroplasty results in less structural damage to the joint,provides good trabecular structure to support the implant withoutsubsidence, low infection rates and little bleeding. The current implantmay be inserted without disarticulating the joint thereby enabling anearlier return to weight bearing and walking while providing for aminimally invasive technique. The implantation of a bicompartmentalprosthesis with only one implantation step is novel and reduces traumato the subject.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations relatedtherewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled inthe art upon a reading of the Specification and study of the Drawings.In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to theDrawings and by study of the following Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of an embodiment of a jointprosthesis.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the implant of FIG. 1 including the caninehumerus, radius and ulna.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the humeral component as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the humeral component shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view about line 5-5 of the humeral componentshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an elevation front view of the humeral component shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the humeral component of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the radioulnar component shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the radioulnar component shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken about line 10-10 of theradioulnar component shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an elevation front view of the radioulnar component shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the radioulnar component shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the radioulnar component shown in FIG.8.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the retaining element shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the retaining element shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a positioning system.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the positioning system shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a positioning system.

FIG. 19 is an exploded diagrammatic view of the positioning system shownin FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a medial epicondylar osteotomy guide.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the medial epicondylar osteotomy guideshown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the medial epicondylar osteotomy guide shownin FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alignment guide and Center ofRotation post.

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the alignment guide shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the alignment guide and a drill guide.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the drill guide shown in FIG. 25.

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced Figures of thedrawings. It is intended by the embodiments and Figures disclosed hereinare to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 15, there is provided animplant 11 with a humeral condylar component 13 and a radioulnarcomponent 29. The humeral component 13 includes a first articulatingsurface portion 17 of substantially saddle-shaped configuration, asshown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and an opposite first bone fixation portion 14,as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Geometrically, the saddle-shapedconfiguration of the first articulating surface portion 17 is broadly inthe form of a hyperbolic paraboloid where sections parallel to and abovethe X-Y coordinates (horizontal plane) are hyperbolas symmetrical withthe X axis, and sections parallel to and below the X-Y plane arehyperbolas symmetrical with the Y axis. Sections parallel to the othertwo coordinate planes are parabolas wherein those parallel to the X-Zplane open upward, while those parallel to the Y-Z plane open downward.See FIG. 6. The humeral condylar component 13 is made of cobalt-chrome(Co—Cr), molybdenum and titanium, Ti-alloy or ceramic but may also bemade of other materials. The first articulating surface 17 as shown inFIG. 7 has a longitudinally extending angular groove 15 and simulates orapproximates the natural shape of a canine trochlea humeri which is amedially located, pulley-shaped member on a canine. The groove 15extends diagonally across the surface and extends at an acute angle toan imaginary line through a major axis of the first articulating surfaceportion 17.

The first bone fixation portion 14 of the humeral component 13 has aconcave form 21 that is opposite to the first articulating surface 17and includes transversely extending peg members or protuberances 23. Thepeg members 23 may be hollow or have shallow openings 22 at one end withthe open end extending up to outer peripheral edges 16 of the first bonefixation portion 14. The openings 22 are designed to receive a retainingpiece 47 which will be discussed in more detail at a later point. Thepegs 23 typically are evenly spaced and extend transversely to a majoraxis of the humeral component 13. The peg members 23 may extend thewidth of the component 13 and in this embodiment do not extend beyond anouter peripheral edge 16 of the humeral component 13. Alternatively, thepeg members 23 could extend beyond the outer edges of the component. Thefirst bone fixation portion 14 may also include porous members, such as,PCA beads 27 which also promote bone growth. The PCA beads aremanufactured by Bio-Vac, Inc. of Michigan, USA. Other possible fixationmembers include hydroxyl apatite (HA) coating, titanium plasma spraycoating or Resorbably Blast Media Coating to name a few. Bony fixationof prosthetic implants is encouraged with surface extensions, such as,the peg members 23 and beaded porous ingrowth surfaces. A proximalportion 20 of the humeral component 13 which is the first bone fixationportion 14 contacts a distal surface 28 of the humerus 12 providing foran interference fit between the bone fixation portion and the humerus12. See FIG. 2.

The radioulnar component 29 has opposing surfaces including a secondarticulating surface portion 31 and a second bone fixation portion 33.The radioulnar component 29 is half-moon shaped and is slightly taperedat a posterior end. The second articulating surface portion 31 has asaddle-shaped configuration that faces cranially. The articulatingsurface portion 31 contains a medial ridge member 37 having intersectingconvex and concave surfaces defining alternate upwardly and downwardlycurved projections. The ridge member 37 simulates a canine trochlearnotch and is complementary to the groove 15 of the first articulatingsurface portion of the humeral component 13. The ridge 37, as shown inFIG. 8, extends diagonally across the concave surface at a mid-levelportion between the concave and convex surfaces and extends at an acuteangle to an imaginary line through a major axis of the secondarticulating surface portion 31. The angular extension of the ridge 37approximates the natural angular extension of a trochlear notch.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first articulating surface portion 17 of thehumeral component 13 forms an articulating system with the secondarticulating surface portion of the radioulnar component 29. Theradioulnar component 29 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is made of twopieces, namely, the second articulating surface portion 31 which is madeof ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene but may also be made ofother materials and the second bone fixation portion 33 which iscomposed of cast cobalt chrome molybdenum, titanium or ceramic, as wellas other materials. This allows the articulating surfaces of the humeraland radioulnar components 17 and 31 to have metal-on-plastic contact.Other combinations may be used without departing from the intent ofproviding a smooth, articulating surface.

The second bone fixation portion 33 of the radioulnar member 29 containsat least one porous peg member 40 with a hollow opening 41 to aid inimplant positioning and bone reabsorption. As with the transverselyextending peg members 23 of the humeral component 13, the porous pegmembers 40 of the radioulnar component 29 also may be transverselyextending along a major axis of the radioulnar component 29. Further,the porous peg members 40 in this embodiment as shown in FIG. 12 do notextend beyond the outer peripheral edge 42 of the second articulatingsurface portion 31 of the radioulnar component 29. This is by way ofexample, but the porous peg members may also extend beyond the outerperipheral edges of the radioulnar component. As with the humeralcomponent 13, the second bone fixation portion 33 of the radioulnarcomponent 29 may also integrate porous beads 45 to promote boneingrowth. A distal portion of the radioulnar component 29 which is thesecond bone fixation portion 33 contacts proximal surfaces of the ulna51 and radius 53 providing for an interference fit between the secondbone fixation portion 33 and the radius and ulna.

In one embodiment, the groove 15 and ridge member 37 are not centeredbut the complementary components are longitudinally extending andintersect a major axis only at the center as discussed previously,requiring a different joint prosthesis for the right and left joints. Itwill be evident that in another embodiment, the prosthesis includinghumeral and radioulnar components, which is isometric, can be used for aright or left joint arthroplasty with the complementary componentsextending longitudinally along a centered vertical plane.

The articulating surfaces of the humeral and radioulnar components arepolished to a smooth finish promoting unencumbered articulation betweenthe two surfaces. The bone fixation portions of the humeral andradioulnar components contain the porous peg members 23 and 40 as wellas the porous beading 27, 45 on their surfaces to promote bone ingrowth.The humeral and radioulnar components 13 and 29, respectively, arereleasably linked together with an aligning or retaining piece orretainer 47 as shown in FIGS. 1, 14 and 15 which aids in positioning ofthe implant 11 within the joint cavity 48 as shown in FIG. 2 and isremoved once the implant is securely in place. The implant retainer 47serves multiple functions. Due to the complex articular surfaces of thehumeral and radioulnar components, it is necessary that when placed inthe subject, both components be oriented at the proper depth and in thecorrect state of articulation. The canine elbow is typically aligned at90° flexion. The implants, to function correctly together, should bothbe at their respective 90° of flexion. The retaining piece 47 has fourposts 49, 50, 52 and 54 that releasably link the humeral component 13and the radioulnar component 29. See FIG. 1. The posterior ulnar post 49on the retainer 47 is slightly larger and is slightly angled whichcompensates for the tapering in the posterior end of the radioulnarcomponent 29 and assures that the implants cannot go in crooked or at anangle to the sagittal plane that exists at the elbow at the point ofintersection between the center line of the humerus and the center lineof the radioulnar component. The retainer 47 also functions as a tool inwhich one can press or hammer upon an extension 44 of the retainer 47 toassure maximum insertion into the joint cavity of the implant 11. Due tothe nature of the implant, the radioulnar component 29 relies heavilyupon the press-fit nature of the component to insure stability. Thehumeral component 13 is captured between the medial and lateralepicondyles preventing movement laterally on a frontal or transverseplane.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the elbow arthroplasty of thepresent embodiment includes a humeral component 13 and a complementaryradioulnar component 29 as well as the retaining piece 47. There willalso be described a novel and improved method for implantation as wellas embodiments of a positioning device 55 as shown in FIGS. 16-19 withan angular support arm 66 and a drill guide 81; an osteotomy guide 93 asshown in FIGS. 20-22 and an alignment and drill guide 103 and 105,respectively, as shown in FIGS. 23-26 for the installation of theimplants. Broadly, the positioning device 55 immobilizes and positions ajoint for prosthesis implantation. The positioning device 55 isadjustable so that different size joints may be positioned. Thepositioning device 55 in combination with the drill guide 81 allows foraccurate drilling on a joint while the positioning device in combinationwith a burr and a base 59 allow for accurate removal of cartilage andminimal subcondylar bone from a joint.

The implant 11, instruments and method are useful in the treatment ofdegenerative joint disease in canines as well as other species includinghumans and allow for a minimally invasive implantation technique. Thejoint capsule is not disarticulated during the process and the ligamentsand muscles remain attached to the condylar crown. The bicompartmentalprosthesis is implanted in one stage as opposed to separate stages whichinvolve securing the implant in consecutive steps to the humerus, radiusand ulna.

In one method, a radiographic evaluation including X-rays as well asarthroscopic surgery are performed on the subject to determine thedegree of disease and to measure and estimate the proper size of implantto be used in the procedure. A Mylar overlay, not shown, is also used todetermine the size of the implant necessary. The ulna 51 and the radius53 are fused to allow fixation of the radioulnar component to the radiusand ulna.

The subject is then stabilized with the positioning device 55 as shownin FIGS. 16 and 20. The positioning device consists of a tray or base 56having numerous apertures which in one embodiment includes opposingspaced arcuate slots 57, 57′ for insertion of a lower cylindrical end58′ of an adjustable post member 58. A lock nut 58″ is threadedlyadjustable to establish the desired effective height of the post 58, andthe post 58 is both slidable and rotatable with respect to the tray 56.The tray 56 also includes a linear slot 60, also adapted to receive apost member 61 that is adjustable in the same manner as the post 58. Thearc section post 58 supports an upwardly facing, saddle-shapedradioulnar cradle 62 with a clamp or strap 69 and the linear sectionpost 61 supports an upwardly facing, saddle-shaped humeral cradle 63with a clamp or strap 69′. The tray 56 includes the base 59 that isdesigned to support and immobilize the epicondyle of a subject. Thearc-shaped slots 57, 57′, linear slot 60 in combination with the postmembers 58, 61 and the base 59 allow for a subject joint to be takenthrough 120° of rotation without having to reposition the patient. Thiswill be discussed at a later stage. Further, the opposing arc sections57, 57′ allow for immobilization and rotation of the reverse joint froma medial or lateral aspect. For example, the positioning system 55 withthe opposing arc-shaped slots 57, 57′ allow for immobilization of asubject's left or right joint, also allowing for approach from a medialor lateral aspect. The linear section post 61 is both slidable androtatable to accommodate a variety of appendage sizes.

The positioning device 55 also includes a support post 67 over which oneend of an adjustable arm 66 fits. The arm 66 includes a universal swivel66′ at its center and opposite ends so as to be capable of twisting aswell as moving vertically and horizontally. A free end of the arm 66includes a clamp 83 that enables attachment of a resurfacing componentsuch as a drill or handpiece 72. In this instance the handpiece ismanufactured by Blackstone Industries, Inc. of Bethel, Conn. enabling auser to attach, for example, a burr or drill. The handpiece may takemany forms and is not limited to the device shown but is designed toallow attachment of a tool for accomplishing a multitude of tasks suchas, the accurate removal of bone and cartilage. The handpiece 72 has aflexible shaft 74 running to an electric motor, not shown. The handpiece72 is clamped to the adjustable arm 66 with clamp 83 and enables theuser to accurately remove cartilage and bone from a vertical orhorizontal position, virtually removing operator error. The swivel armmay take many forms but is designed to enable an approach from virtuallyany angle while providing stabilization. The adjustable arm 66 as wellmay take different forms and may be positioned at various angles onceagain to allow for varied approaches in stabilization. The arm 66 mayhold a multitude of tools including lasers, light sources and scalpelsto name a few.

It will be evident that the positioning device 55 is also conformablefor use with the drill guide 81 as shown in FIGS. 18-19. The drill guide81 has an arm 75 extending horizontally and upwardly as shown in FIG.18. The drill guide 81 attaches to the base 59 at a variety of possiblelocations, shown in FIGS. 16-19 at 65, depending upon the size of thejoint and location of the center of rotation on the particular subject.The base 59 has an upper flat surface 77 including 3, 2.5 mm holes 68that are 2 mm to 6 mm off-center, in 2 mm intervals, approximately 45°cranial and distal, depending upon the elbow, that allows for a 2.5 mmdrill 64 to pass through. A 2.5 mm center of rotation (COR) post 70 asshown in FIGS. 23 and 25 is inserted through the drilled opening in thejoint to aid in positioning of the joint during the drilling and burringprocess.

Attached to the drill guide 81 is a drill guide arm 79 which lines upwith one of three holes 68 located on the surface 77 of the base 59. Athumbscrew 76 attaches the vertical arm 75 to the base 59. The drillguide arm 79 possesses a drill guide hole 80 through which the 2.5 mmdrill bit will fit. This aids in drilling off-center holes foroptimizing the location of the center of rotation of the elbow. See FIG.19. The drill guide 81 is typically used in conjunction with thepositioning system 55 for accurate drilling purposes.

As an example, the humerus 12 of a canine is placed in the humeralcradle 63 and secured, the fused radius 53 and ulna 51 of the canine issecured in the radioulnar cradle 62 and secured, exposing the canine'smedial joint for osteotomy. The joint is placed on the base 59 and isstabilized. As referred to earlier, a 2.5 mm hole, “COR hole” is drilledthrough the epicondyle, medial to lateral, using the drill guide arm 75and passing a 2.5 mm drill 64 through the drill guide hole 80, theepicondyle and the corresponding hole 68 in the base 59. The COR holeaids in proper positioning of the implant as well as positioning of thealignment and drill guides. Once the COR hole is drilled, the osteotomyguide 93 as shown in FIGS. 20-22 is clamped to the medial epicondyle ofthe subject. The osteotomy guide 93 is a hemostat-like instrument havinga first end 84 that establishes a contact point with the joint,typically along the articular cartilage on the cranial side of thehumerus. A second end 85 having an osteotomy plate 86 including acutting groove 87 that lies along the same horizontal plane as thecontact point 84 and a serrated portion 88 which clamps onto theepicondyle. A saw blade, not shown, is inserted through the cuttinggroove 87 and intersects with the contact point 84 that has been securedto the caudal ridge of the distal end of the humerus. The guide allowsfor accurate bone cutting without removing excessive bone which tends toresult in subsidence. The osteotomy guide also minimizes invasion of thejoint capsule. Once the medial epicondyle has been osteotomized, notshown, the cut portion which is the condylar crown is reflected backalong with the attached muscles and ligaments, exposing the distalmedial humeral condyle.

The next step involves attaching the alignment guide 103 as shown inFIGS. 23 to 25 with the COR post 70 to the positioning system 55. The2.5 mm hole which was previously drilled accommodates the COR post 70through the epicondyle. The COR post 70 is inserted through the 2.5 mmhole, into the base 59 and the alignment guide 103 is attached bysliding the alignment guide 103 over the COR post 70 at point 80′ asshown in FIG. 23. The guide 103 is rotated until cranial peg hole 129lines up with the cranial proximal ulnar and the caudal portion of theradius. K-wires are inserted down through respective holes 104 and 106in the alignment guide and into the joint, locking the guide in thedesired position. The alignment guide 103 is in the same shape as across-section of the entire implant at a 90° articulation.

A specially designed burr saw 64′ shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is insertedinto the handpiece 72. The handpiece is clamped to the arm 66 with clamp83. The burr saw 64′ is designed with a slightly larger head 64″ whichacts as an “end mill” or “router bit” to accurately remove remainingcartilage and minimal subcondylar bone while preserving good trabecularstructure. Subsidence typically occurs when the compressive stresses ortrabecular bone struts exceed the strength of the bone, resulting inmicrofractures and resorption of trabeculae. Resurfacing of the trochleahumeri and the trochlear notch of the radius and ulna is performed withthe burr saw 64′ and a depth measuring device or depth limiting stop,not shown, is used to insure proper depth penetration. The burr sawremoves the large arc-shaped portion 109 within the alignment guide 103,leaving four smaller areas consisting of the openings 129, 130, 131, 132that accommodate the peg members 23 and 40 of the implant 11 for thedrill 64 to remove.

Due to the insertion of the implant from the medial aspect, the humeraland radioulnar articulating surfaces may be resurfaced without having tobreak or otherwise open or expose the articulating surfaces of the elbowjoint. The removal of articular cartilage as well as a minimal amount ofsubcondylar bone on both sides of the joint simultaneously withouthaving to disarticulate the joint allows for a minimally invasiveprocedure.

Once the alignment guide 103 has been inserted and the majority ofresurfacing is complete, a drill guide plate 112 is placed on a topsurface 91 of the implant alignment guide 103. It slides down over theCOR post 70 at point 80″ and has four holes 129′, 130′, 131′, 132′ thatline up with the holes 129, 130, 131, 132 on the alignment guide. It isthen locked in place by a screw 113 passing through the drill guide 112and into the alignment guide 103 at points 90, 90′. Using the angularsupport arm 66 and the handpiece 72, a specified drill size is chosenand inserted into the handpiece 72. The drill bit 64 is lined up withthe opening 80 in the arm guide 75 and four holes are drilledcorresponding with the holes 129′, 130′, 131′, 132′ on the drill guideplate 112. The drill guide plate 112 is then removed.

The implant 11 is lined up with the implant retaining plate 47 in place,all four holes lining up with the four horizontal pegs 23, 40 located onthe first bone fixation portion 14 of the humeral component 13 and thesecond bone fixation portion 33 of the radioulnar component 29. Thisallows the implant 11 to be inserted where the cancellous articulatingsurfaces have been removed. Using a hammer device, not shown, theimplant 11 will be tapped into place within the elbow joint. With thepegs running horizontally, the implant may not rotate on a sagittalplane while inside the elbow. The horizontal pegs also prevent theimplant from sliding side to side based on a press-fit of the joint.

The implant is set on the distal medial humeral condyle and is impactedor pounded so that there is almost no distance between the implant andthe bone. Optimally, the implant is set within 1 mm of the bone. Ifthere is more than 1 mm. of space between the implant 11 and the bone,there is typically poor bone ingrowth. Cementless fixation is utilizedin our method but is set forth as an example, not as a limitation. Oncethe implant is in place, the medial epicondylar crown, including theattached ligaments and muscles, is reattached, not shown, using a 3.5 mmcancellous screw and a spiked washer, both not shown. The cancellousscrew is manufactured by Veterinary Orthopedic Implant or Synthes andNew Generation Devices. The spiked washers are also manufactured byVeterinary Orthopedic Implants and Synthes.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thedisclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that theillustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention andshould not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, thescope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We thereforeclaim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit ofthese claims.

We claim:
 1. A retaining member, comprising: an implant-engagingsurface; a second surface opposite the implant-engaging surface; one ormore posts positioned on the implant-engaging surface and extending awayfrom the second surface, wherein the posts are positioned and configuredto releasably link together two or more components of a joint implant inan orientation suitable for implantation.
 2. The retaining memberaccording to claim 1, further comprising an extension positioned on thesecond surface and extending away from the implant-engaging surface, theextension being configured to transfer force from a hammering tool tothe implant.
 3. The retaining member according to claim 1, wherein theretaining member includes at least two first posts configured to engagewith a first implant component and at least two second posts configuredto engage with a second implant component, said posts configured tosubstantially prevent movement or rotation of the first implantcomponent relative to the second implant component when releasablylinked together by the retaining member.
 4. The retaining memberaccording to claim 3, wherein the at least two first posts and the atleast two second posts are configured to be slidably withdrawn from thefirst and second implant components, respectively, to allow the firstand second implant components to articulate.
 5. A means for releasablysecuring two or more components of a joint implant together such thatthe components can be preassembled in a proper orientation prior toimplantation and such that the components can implanted simultaneously,the means comprising at least one projection configured to engage withat least one if the joint implant components.